Neodymium-yttrium aluminum garnet laser versus pulsed dye laser in erythemato-telangiectatic rosacea: comparison of clinical efficacy and effect on cutaneous substance (P) expression

Background Different laser systems are reported to be effective in treatment of telangiectasia and erythema, but comparative studies on 1064-nm neodymium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd-YAG) laser and pulsed dye laser (PDL) in treatment of erythemato-telangiectatic rosacea are lacking. Substance (P) is implicated in rosacea pathogenesis. Objectives To compare the effect of Nd-YAG laser and PDL on erythemato-telangiectatic rosacea, both clinically and immunohistochemically on cutaneous substance (P) expression. Methods This split-face comparative study included 15 patients with erythemato-telangiectatic rosacea treated on the right side with Nd-YAG laser and on the left side with PDL: three sessions, 4weeks apart. Evaluation of the patients was done using erythema and telangiectasia grading scores, patient's self-assessment, physicians' clinical assessment of the patient, and immunohistochemical assessment of substance (P). Results One month after the three laser sessions, excellent response was achieved in 73.3% of patients after Nd-YAG and in 53.3% of patients after PDL with significantly lower substance (P) concentration after Nd-YAG laser than after PDL. Positive correlations were found between the decrease in erythema and telangiectasia grading scores and the decrease in substance (P) concentration. Conclusions The use of Nd-YAG laser and PDL appears to be safe and effective measures in treatment of erythemato-telangiectatic rosacea. Both types of laser decrease the concentration of substance (P) in the skin. This effect is more pronounced with Nd-YAG laser.